Former Kaizer Chiefs keeper explains effects of Nasreddine Nabi exit

Chiefs parted ways with head coach Nasereddine Nabi just four matches into the season, with assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef stepping in as interim co-coaches for the remainder of the campaign.

The Soweto giants endured a mixed season following the change, including a difficult spell in which they suffered three consecutive league defeats against Stellenbosch FC, Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay. However, the team recovered strongly in the second half of the campaign, eventually securing a third-place finish and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The achievement was particularly significant as Amakhosi surpassed the 50-point mark in the league for the first time in almost five seasons.

Despite the successful turnaround, Chiefs opted to part ways with Kaze and Ben Youssef at the end of the season as the club continues its search for long-term stability.

Reflecting on the campaign, Akpeyi suggested that the coaching change disrupted the team's progress, especially with several new players still trying to adapt to the club's environment and playing style.

"Well, you know, when the season started, there's a lot of pressure that's been on the players, and most of the players were new into the system and, you know, with the changing of the coaches, that also came, you know, also caused a little bit of the lapses in the team," Akpeyi told the media.

The Nigerian international, who spent four years at Naturena, praised the interim coaching staff for eventually finding the right balance and helping the squad unlock its potential.

"But as far as the coach got it right, and the players came out of their shell, then the team was able to gel and do well,” he added.

"That was how we were able to get the last results that saw the team turn the log and giving them the spot for the CAF Confederation Cup."